Elk River at Spring Lake Park
4:15 p.m., Thursday, April 16

Spring Lake Park won the North Suburban Conference title and amassed an 20-3 overall record last year before losing to eventual Class 3A state runner-up Maple Grove in the Section 5 finals. 

Now in the Northwest Suburban Conference, it appears Spring Lake Park is gathering steam for another deep playoff run.

Sophomore pitcher Halley Jones has been nearly untouchable through three games, including striking out 14 and giving up only four hits in her season debut - a 9-2 victory over Waconia - and recording 11 more strikeouts in a 3-0 victory over Andover.

The Panthers offense has been more than supportive, contributing 22 runs in three games.

Elk River pitcher Olivia Wolters was literally untouchable in the Elk's home debut against Coon Rapids. The junior struck out nine batters on her way to a six-inning no-hitter and a 10-0 win. Elk River has several new faces on the squad, but still have three members from the 2013 state championship team -- senior Alison Krohn (third base) and juniors Jayme Langbehn (outfielder) and Marie Deaton (infielder).